The New York Mets made a major statement during the MLB Winter Meetings by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million deal.
At just 26 years old, Soto is considered a generational talent, and it’s no surprise that New York wants to build their future around him for the next 15 years. If he stays healthy, Soto is on a Hall of Fame trajectory. The Mets are clearly looking for ways to get to the World Series, and Soto could be key to that goal.
However, could his contract eventually be surpassed?
In an analysis by FanSided’s Chris Landers, Robert Murray, Terrence Jordan, and Zachary Rotman, the team explored the current MLB landscape and pondered who might break Soto’s record. Both Jordan and Landers singled out Cincinnati Reds’ young All-Star Elly De La Cruz as a strong contender.
“The most likely candidate is probably some 15-year-old Japanese player we haven’t heard of yet, but if we’re talking about someone already in the majors, I’d go with Elly De La Cruz,” Jordan said. “By the time he hits free agency at 27, most of the league’s top stars will be too old for a record-breaking contract. Cruz’s unique mix of power and speed has already made him one of the most exciting players in baseball, and if he continues to develop, his next contract could be historic.”
Landers agreed, adding, “De La Cruz may not have fully refined his game yet, but he posted a 5-win season at just 22. If everything clicks, the sky’s the limit for him, and he’ll still be only 27 when he hits free agency.”